Jason Aldean turned heads and sparked heated debate once again during CBS’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on December 31, 2025. As one of the headliners for the massive celebration ringing in 2026, Aldean delivered a crowd-pleasing set on air, but it was what happened during a commercial break that sent social media into overdrive. Fan-recorded videos captured the country star launching into his polarizing 2023 hit “Try That In A Small Town,” a song that had reportedly been flagged as off-limits for the live broadcast. The in-person Nashville crowd erupted, videos went viral overnight, and the long-simmering controversy surrounding the track exploded anew, proving Aldean remains unyielding in defending his music.
The five-hour extravaganza, broadcast live from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and streamed on Paramount+, drew an estimated 205,000 revelers to downtown Nashville despite chilly temperatures. Co-hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country hitmaker HARDY, the lineup was stacked with talent: headliners Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman joined legends like Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, and heartfelt performances from CeCe Winans and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The iconic Music Note Drop and fireworks capped the midnight countdown, creating a festive backdrop for millions watching at home.
Aldean’s official set included high-energy favorites like “My Kinda Party,” whipping the crowd into a frenzy with his signature blend of rock-infused country swagger. But when the network cut to commercial, Aldean didn’t miss a beat. Seizing the moment, he dove into “Try That In A Small Town,” the anthem that rocketed to No. 1 amid intense backlash in 2023. Lyrics like “Got a gun that my granddad gave me / They say one day they’re gonna round up / Well, that sh-t might fly in the city, good luck / Try that in a small town” echoed through the park as fans sang along passionately, phones held high to capture the unexpected treat.
Audience videos spread like wildfire online, with one clip captioned “CBS wouldn’t allow Jason Aldean to play this song live… so he played it for all of Nashville while they were on commercial” racking up hundreds of thousands of views in hours. The live crowd went wild—cheers drowning out the chill, signs waving in support—turning the off-air moment into a defiant celebration. Attendees described it as electric, with the energy surging as Aldean owned the stage without network oversight.
The move reignited the song’s divisive legacy. Released in 2023, “Try That In A Small Town” faced accusations of promoting vigilantism and racial undertones, particularly after its music video featured footage of protests and was filmed at a historic lynching site courthouse. Networks like CMT pulled the video from rotation, sparking boycotts and counter-backlash. Aldean has consistently defended it as a pro-small-town values track about community protection, not politics or violence. Streams and sales soared amid the uproar, turning controversy into chart success.
This New Year’s stunt felt like a bold statement: Aldean bypassing alleged broadcast restrictions to perform it directly for fans. Supporters hailed it as standing firm—“Play your songs anyway, Jason” and “This is why he’s my favorite”—while others revisited criticisms, calling it tone-deaf for a national holiday special. Social media became a battleground, with hashtags trending as debates raged over artistic freedom, network censorship, and the song’s message in today’s climate.
Aldean’s willingness to push boundaries underscores his reputation as a no-compromise artist. In a night meant for unity and fresh starts, his choice amplified divisions but also rallied his base, reminding everyone of his unapologetic stance. The in-person reaction was overwhelmingly positive—fans roaring approval, proving the song resonates deeply in country strongholds like Nashville.
As 2026 begins, the incident has thrust Aldean back into the spotlight, blending celebration with contention. Videos continue circulating, conversations dominate feeds, and the firestorm shows no signs of fading. In an era where artists navigate careful corporate landscapes, Aldean’s off-air rebellion spoke volumes: he’ll defend his music on his terms, cameras or not.
